Top 11 Room Attendant Certifications

Certifications are important for a room attendant in the job market because they provide evidence of knowledge and skills. They also demonstrate a commitment to professional development, which is attractive to employers. Certifications can open up opportunities for advancement and higher pay within the hospitality industry. Moreover, certifications demonstrate that a room attendant has a thorough understanding of the industry standards and regulations, as well as the necessary safety protocols and procedures. This can help employers feel more confident in their hiring decisions and show potential clients that their hotel is committed to providing quality service.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Room Attendants and explains how they can help to advance a Room Attendant's career.

What are Room Attendant Certifications?

Room attendant certification is a form of professional training and certification that is designed to help hotel employees become more effective in providing excellent customer service. The certification includes instruction and guidance on how to properly clean and maintain guest rooms, as well as how best to interact with guests in order to provide them with the best experience possible. With this certification, room attendants can become more knowledgeable about their job duties, helping them to provide better customer service and increase their value as an employee. Additionally, having a room attendant certification can help hotel staff members stand out from other applicants when searching for jobs in the hospitality industry. Potential employers will recognize the extra effort put into obtaining this certification and may be more likely to hire someone who has taken the time to invest in it.

Pro Tip: When obtaining room attendant certification, make sure to take advantage of any hands-on training opportunities offered. This will give you the confidence and experience needed to excel in your role as a room attendant.

Related: What does a Room Attendant do?

Top 11 Room Attendant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Room Attendants today.

1. Certified Guest Room Attendant (CGRA)

Certified Guest Room Attendant (CGRA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA). The program provides hotel and lodging professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to provide exceptional guest service in the hospitality industry.

The CGRA certification is designed to help hospitality professionals understand the importance of providing excellent customer service, as well as how to effectively manage guest room operations. The certification also covers topics such as housekeeping safety, sanitation procedures, and environmental sustainability.

It typically takes about four weeks to complete the CGRA certification program. During this time, students will take part in online lectures, webinars, and hands-on training sessions. At the end of the course, students must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of the CGRA certification varies depending on where you take it; however, it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

2. Certified Hospitality Room Attendant (CHRA)

Certified Hospitality Room Attendant (CHRA) is a professional certification program that provides hospitality professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide excellent customer service in hotel and hospitality settings. This certification is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI) and is recognized by many employers in the hospitality industry.

The CHRA certification program consists of three courses: Introduction to Hospitality, Room Attendant Training, and Customer Service for the Hospitality Industry. The courses can be taken online or in a classroom setting. The online course takes approximately 12-16 hours to complete, while the classroom course takes approximately 16 hours.

In order to obtain the CHRA certification, individuals must pass all three courses with a score of 70% or higher on each exam. Upon successful completion of all three courses, individuals will receive their official CHRA certificate from AHLEI.

The cost of the CHRA certification program varies depending on where it is taken; however, typically it costs around $300-$400 USD for all three courses combined.

3. Certified Housekeeping Executive (CHE)

Certified Housekeeping Executive (CHE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and reward housekeeping professionals for their expertise and commitment to the industry. The CHE program is offered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA), a professional organization dedicated to advancing the housekeeping profession.

The CHE program requires candidates to pass an exam that covers all aspects of housekeeping, including safety, sanitation, customer service, and personnel management. Candidates must also demonstrate their knowledge of the latest technologies used in the industry. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any IEHA-approved testing site.

To become certified, applicants must have at least five years of full-time experience in housekeeping or related fields. They must also provide proof of completion of an approved training course or seminar within the last two years. Additionally, applicants must submit letters of recommendation from current or former employers attesting to their experience in housekeeping.

The cost for taking the CHE exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. Once certified, individuals may be eligible for higher salaries and more job opportunities in the field of housekeeping.

4. Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH)

Certified Professional Housekeeper (CPH) is a certification program for housekeeping professionals. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the field of professional housekeeping. The program is administered by the International Executive Housekeepers Association (IEHA).

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements and pass an exam. Applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience as a housekeeper or equivalent, or one year of experience plus completion of a recognized training program. They must also complete an online application and pay the required fee.

The CPH exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as cleaning techniques, safety procedures, infection control, customer service, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CPH certification is $175 USD for IEHA members and $225 USD for non-members. The fee includes the cost of the exam and all study materials needed to prepare for it.

5. Certified Hotel Housekeeping Supervisor (CHHS)

Certified Hotel Housekeeping Supervisor (CHHS) is a certification program designed to help hotel housekeeping supervisors develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage their department. The CHHS program is offered by the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEI).

The CHHS program consists of two courses: Certified Hotel Housekeeping Executive (CHHE) and Certified Hotel Housekeeping Supervisor (CHHS). The CHHE course focuses on the fundamentals of hotel housekeeping management, while the CHHS course focuses on advanced topics such as budgeting, staff development, and customer service.

To become certified, individuals must complete both courses and pass an exam for each. The exam for each course is administered online through AHLEI's website. It typically takes about six months to complete the two courses and exams required for certification.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on where you take it. Generally, it costs around $1,000 for both courses and exams.

6. Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST)

Certified Environmental Services Technician (CEST) is a certification program designed to provide environmental professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively manage hazardous waste. The certification is offered by the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).

The CEST program consists of four courses, which can be completed in as little as six months. The courses cover topics such as hazardous waste management, environmental regulations, safety protocols, and sampling techniques. Upon completion of the courses, students must pass an exam to become certified.

To get the CEST certification, individuals must first complete all four courses in the program. After completing the courses, individuals must register for the exam through NEHA's website and pay a fee of $250. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to access the online exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. The passing score for this exam is 70%.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their CEST certificate from NEHA along with a wallet card that verifies their certification status. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by taking continuing education classes or retaking the CEST exam every three years.

7. American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Room Attendant Certification (AH&LA RAC)

The American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Room Attendant Certification (AH&LA RAC) is a voluntary certification program that recognizes the knowledge, skills and abilities of hotel room attendants. The program is designed to help hotel room attendants increase their job performance and career potential.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online assessment that tests their knowledge of housekeeping procedures and customer service standards. The assessment takes approximately 90 minutes to complete and covers topics such as cleaning methods, safety protocols, guest service expectations, and more. Upon successful completion of the assessment, applicants are awarded a digital certificate valid for two years.

The cost of the AH&LA RAC certification is $99 per applicant. This fee covers the cost of the online assessment as well as access to additional resources such as webinars, industry news updates, and more.

By becoming certified through AH&LA RAC, hotel room attendants demonstrate their commitment to excellence in hospitality services and gain recognition for their dedication to professional development.

8. National Cleaning Association’s Room Attendant Certification (NCA RAC)

The National Cleaning Association’s Room Attendant Certification (NCA RAC) is a certification program designed to recognize the professional standards of room attendants in the hospitality industry. The program is open to all individuals who work in the hotel and lodging industry, including housekeepers, front desk agents, maids, and supervisors.

The NCA RAC program consists of two parts: an online course and a practical exam. The online course covers topics such as safety and sanitation protocols, cleaning techniques, customer service skills, and other related topics. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course.

After completing the online course, participants must pass a practical exam in order to receive their certification. The exam consists of a written test as well as a hands-on demonstration of cleaning techniques. Participants must score at least 80% on both parts of the exam in order to become certified.

In order to get certified under the NCA RAC program, individuals must pay a fee of $150 USD for registration and testing fees. This fee covers both the online course and the practical exam. Once certified, individuals will receive an official certificate from the National Cleaning Association that recognizes their professional standards in room attendant services.

9. International Executive Housekeepers Association’s Room Attendant Certification (IEHA RAC)

The International Executive Housekeepers Association’s Room Attendant Certification (IEHA RAC) is a certification program that provides recognition for those who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the cleaning and maintenance of hotel rooms. It is designed to provide the hospitality industry with a standard of excellence for room attendants.

The certification process involves an online exam that consists of multiple-choice questions about housekeeping operations, safety and sanitation, guest services, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately two hours to complete. Upon successful completion of the exam, candidates will receive their IEHA RAC certificate.

In order to obtain the IEHA RAC certification, candidates must have at least one year of experience as a room attendant in a hotel or similar setting. Candidates must also be able to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in housekeeping operations, safety and sanitation procedures, guest services, and other related topics.

The cost of the IEHA RAC certification varies depending on where you take the exam; however, it typically costs around $200 USD.

10. Professional Association of Innkeepers International’s Room Attendant Certification (PAII RAC)

The Professional Association of Innkeepers International’s Room Attendant Certification (PAII RAC) is a certification program designed to help room attendants demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the hospitality industry. The program focuses on providing room attendants with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide exceptional service to guests.

The PAII RAC program consists of three modules: Cleaning, Maintenance, and Guest Service. The program takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the individual’s learning style and pace. To get certified, individuals must pass all three modules with a score of 80% or higher.

In order to be eligible for the PAII RAC certification, applicants must have at least one year of experience as a room attendant in a hotel or similar setting. Applicants must also have completed an approved training course in hospitality operations prior to applying for certification.

The cost of the PAII RAC certification is $150 USD per person. This fee covers all materials needed for the program, including textbooks, online resources, and access to an online support forum where participants can ask questions and receive feedback from other certified professionals.

11. Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification's Carpet Cleaning Technician certification

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Carpet Cleaning Technician certification is a professional designation that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and proficiency in the field of carpet cleaning. This certification is designed to ensure that technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform quality carpet cleaning services.

The IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical demonstration. The written exam covers topics such as carpet fibers, soil types, cleaning chemicals, spot removal techniques, equipment selection and operation, safety procedures, customer service, and business practices. The practical demonstration requires the technician to demonstrate their ability to properly clean a variety of carpets using various methods.

The IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician certification can be obtained by completing both the written exam and practical demonstration. The exam typically takes about 2-3 hours to complete and the practical demonstration typically takes about 1-2 hours to complete. Once both components are successfully completed, the technician will receive their IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician certification card.

The cost for the IICRC Carpet Cleaning Technician certification varies depending on which training provider you use. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $200-$500 USD for both components combined.

Do You Really Need a Room Attendant Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Room Attendant Certificate depends on your goals and the job requirements. If you are interested in working as a Room Attendant, then having a certificate is likely to be very beneficial. A Room Attendant Certificate can demonstrate to potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to provide exceptional customer service and effectively clean and maintain guest rooms.

A Room Attendant Certificate can also show potential employers that you have taken the time to learn about the industry, understand hotel standards, and complete training courses related to hospitality. It can also help you stand out from other applicants who do not have this certification. Additionally, many employers may require that applicants possess a Room Attendant Certificate in order to apply for a position. Therefore, if your goal is to work as a Room Attendant in the hotel industry, then having this type of certification is essential for success.

However, if you are not interested in working as a Room Attendant but would still like to gain knowledge about hospitality and hotel services, then obtaining a Room Attendant Certificate may be unnecessary. There are other ways of gaining knowledge such as reading books or taking online courses related to hospitality without needing an official certificate. Ultimately, it is up to you whether or not you decide to pursue obtaining a Room Attendant Certificate; it all depends on your career goals!

Related: Room Attendant Resume Examples

FAQs About Room Attendant Certifications

1. What is a Room Attendant Certification?

Answer: A Room Attendant Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates mastery of the skills and knowledge required to work as a room attendant in the hospitality industry. It typically includes instruction on cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms, restocking supplies, and providing customer service.

2. How do I obtain a Room Attendant Certification?

Answer: To obtain a Room Attendant Certification, you must successfully complete a training program at an accredited institution or through an approved online education provider. Upon completion, you will receive your certification which may need to be renewed every few years depending on the requirements of the issuing institution.

3. What are the benefits of having a Room Attendant Certification?

Answer: Having a Room Attendant Certification can help enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to professionalism within the hospitality industry. It also allows employers to easily identify qualified applicants who possess the necessary skills to work as room attendants. Additionally, it can increase job opportunities as many employers prefer candidates who have obtained certifications in their field of work.

4. What type of topics are covered during certification courses?

Answer: During certification courses, topics such as safety regulations, housekeeping techniques, customer service protocols, sanitation methods, and proper use of cleaning products are typically discussed and explored in detail. Students also learn about how to properly inspect guest rooms for any damage or maintenance issues that need attention before they are ready for occupancy by guests.

5. Is there an exam associated with obtaining my Room Attendant Certification?

Answer: Yes, most institutions require students to pass an exam in order to receive their certification upon completion of the coursework. The exam typically tests students’ understanding of concepts related to housekeeping operations such as cleaning techniques and customer service protocols.